by Gianni Valente
Rome – In the globalized era, the countries and peoples of Southeast Asia represent a key “transregional actor” in seeking together sustainable and inclusive development paths. In a region characterized by the coexistence of hundreds of different ethnic groups, languages, and religious traditions, intercultural and interreligious dialogue is crucial for the common good of the entire human family.
This vision was the focus of the “Lectio Magistralis” delivered today in the “St. John Paul II” Auditorium of the Pontifical Urbaniana University by Hendy Assan, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Holy See, in the presence of students and professors of the University, along with representatives of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.
In his opening remarks, Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, Pontifical Delegate and Rector of the Pontifical University, announced that Ambassador Assan’s “Lectio Magistralis” inaugurated a series of “close encounters” between the multiethnic and multicultural academic community of Urbaniana University and representatives of the diplomatic corps on issues of cultural, social, and geopolitical importance. These encounters were promoted by the Center for Chinese and Asian Studies, operating within the Pontifical University and directed by Professor Alessandro Dell’Orto.
“Transregional ASEAN: Sustainability, Inclusivity, and the Role of Intercultural Dialogue in Regional and Global Cooperation” was the detailed title of the Malaysian ambassador’s “Lectio.” It was developed around the central theme of the growing role played by ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose rotating chairmanship was held by Malaysia in 2025, and which is now coming to the end of its term.
Established in 1967 in Bangkok by five founding countries , ASEAN currently has 11 member states .
“Southeast Asia, an intricate mosaic of colors and shades,” emphasized Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, in the address read on his behalf at the opening of the meeting by Father Agostino Hyuntaek Han, “can help give concrete expression to the aspirations for peace within the region and throughout the world by harmoniously uniting its diversities and through structured dialogue,.”
“A success story of the Global South”
The Malaysian diplomat described ASEAN as “one of the world’s most dynamic regional groupings in the world,” “a quiet success story of the Global South.” Furthermore, he pointed out that it has been a key instrument in fostering “economic conditions that lifted millions of people out of poverty,” and that it has become an “indispensable bridge between the Indo-Pacific and Europe, between Asia and the Middle East, and increasingly between the Global South and global governance frameworks.”
This “transregional” dynamism has, over the years, manifested itself and continues to develop within a dense network of strategic plans, projects, framework agreements, and partnerships forged with various economic and geopolitical actors in all directions. The ambassador cites, among others, the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, the relationships established with Canada and India, and the upcoming expansion of the free trade area with China .
He also listed the agreements signed or nearing completion, such as the Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the Roadmap on Digital Trade Standards, as well as initiatives in the field of environmental sustainability that are aligned “with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.”
The Ambassador explained that “economic integration remains the backbone of the ASEAN community-building process,” and the 4.8% growth recorded in 2024 demonstrates the effectiveness of this process, even in times marked by instability and uncertainty. He also highlighted ASEAN’s human development agenda: migration, social protection, higher education, and labor mobility. He emphasized ASEAN’s support for humanitarian operations in Myanmar, affected by internal conflicts. And as the military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, both members of the Association, has resumed, Ambassador Assan refers to ASEAN’s contribution as a “neutral platform for dialogue” useful in preventing and attempting to resolve conflicts, particularly through instruments such as the “Treaty of Amity and Cooperation” among member states” and the “Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty”
Sustainability and inclusion are “priorities” of the Malaysian Chairmanship.
The Malaysian Chairmanship of ASEAN—as the ambassador documented in his presentation at the Urbaniana University—focused its attention and energies on certain priorities, such as the commitment to reducing development gaps and supporting inclusive and sustainable development. In the region, initiatives related to the green transition, the development of the marine resource economy, and food and water security were strengthened.
“ASEAN,” Ambassador Assan emphasized, defining inclusivity as the “pillar” of the approach taken during the Malaysian Chaimanship, “cannot claim progress if its benefits do not reach rural communities, migrant workers, persons with disabilities, women and girls, older persons, and vulnerable groups.” This concern, the diplomat’s report suggested, also allows for the recognition and appreciation of “the transformative role of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in nurturing a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
The “transformative” role of interreligious dialogue.
The Ambassador recalled that ASEAN is “a region defined by pluralism,” with “hundreds of ethnic groups, languages, and religious traditions—Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism, and indigenous spiritualities—coexisting in intricate social fabrics.” Malaysia itself is “a living example of this pluralism,” with Islam as the constitutional religion of the Federation, coexisting with Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and believers of other faiths.
This plural composition, he added, enhances Malaysia’s ability to “advance intercultural understanding at the regional and global levels,” and to emphasize “the importance of cultural diplomacy, educational cooperation, and interfaith understanding as tools to reinforce regional cohesion, counter misinformation, and build resilience against extremism.”
In particular, referring to Christianity, Assan recalled that “across ASEAN, Christian organizations have historically contributed to education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and community service, particularly among marginalized populations.” He added that “their values of compassion, stewardship, solidarity, and service resonate profoundly with ASEAN’s vision of an inclusive, people-centered community.”
In Malaysia, too,” the Malian diplomat added, speaking at the university that is an integral part of the Missionary Dicastery, “Christian missions were pioneers in establishing schools and hospitals, creating social mobility that continues to benefit generations.”
In our current times, characterized by “the dual pressure of technological transformation and ideological polarization,” intercultural and interreligious dialogue becomes even more urgent because it plays “a preventive and healing role,” countering “narratives of fear” and “creating shared spaces where differences are celebrated and not exploited.”
Rome, a “crossroads” of faith, diplomacy, and culture.
Within this global context, Ambassador Assan concluded his Lectio by underscoring “the transregional importance of dialogue with Europe and, in particular, with Italy and the Holy See.” Rome stands “at a unique crossroads of faith, diplomacy, culture, and scholarship,” and its universities, religious institutions, and diplomatic presence offer platforms for deepening exchanges between ASEAN and Europe. Furthermore, “the Holy See, with its moral authority and global networks, is also a key partner in promoting peacebuilding, humanitarian action, and intercultural understanding.”
“We are moving into a decade,” the diplomat accredited to the Holy See acknowledged, “where global tensions are likely to intensify, where climate impacts will become more severe, and where technological shifts may outpace regulatory capacities. Yet, this decade also offers enormous opportunities for innovation, cooperation, and progress, if we act with purpose and unity.” ASEAN’s strength lies not in military might, but in its moral capital: its commitment to dialogue instead of confrontation, inclusivity instead of exclusion, sustainability instead of short-term gain, and consensus instead of coercion. In a global environment marked by uncertainty, intercultural and interreligious dialogue “offers a compass rooted in shared humanity.”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.